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Broccoli Cheddar Soup - THE BEST broccoli cheese soup there ever was! So creamy, so cheesy. Perfect for those busy weeknights + picky eaters!

THE BEST broccoli cheese soup there ever was! So creamy, so cheesy. Perfect for those busy weeknights + picky eaters!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup - THE BEST broccoli cheese soup there ever was! So creamy, so cheesy. Perfect for those busy weeknights + picky eaters!

Creamy, velvety, broccoli cheese soup with sneaked in veggies? Yes, absolutely. I am all in. And it is truly the most perfect creamy consistency (with the help of the potatoes) without weighing you down like you’ve just eaten a bowl of queso.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup - THE BEST broccoli cheese soup there ever was! So creamy, so cheesy. Perfect for those busy weeknights + picky eaters!

If you want to keep this completely vegetarian, vegetable stock is a great sub for the chicken stock. And if you want an even heartier version, half and half can also be subbed for the heavy cream.

But the most important thing here is to use good quality cheese that has been freshly shredded. It will make all the difference. And be sure to add them a handful at a time to avoid clumps. We do not like clumps here.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup - THE BEST broccoli cheese soup there ever was! So creamy, so cheesy. Perfect for those busy weeknights + picky eaters!

When ready to serve, top with additional cheese (if desired) and some crusty bread for dipping purposes.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS

  • Use frozen broccoli, potatoes or cheese on hand. This is a great way to repurpose and use up some of those pantry staples in your freezer.
  • Freshly grated cheese goes a long way. Add your cheese, a handful at a time, to avoid clumping.
  • Make it vegetarian. For our vegetarian friends, vegetable stock is a great swap for the chicken stock.
  • Dip the bread. Serve with crusty bread for all the dipping!

Tools For This Recipe

Dutch oven

Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this vegetarian?

You can substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! This is a great soup recipe to use up all your frozen broccoli without even needing to defrost.

What is heavy cream?

Heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream) has one of the highest fat contents with about 36-40% fat. Half and half or whole milk are suitable substitutes, but will yield a lighter result.

Is this freezer-friendly?

We do not recommend freezing this soup as cream soups tend to separate when frozen.

A creamy broccoli cheddar soup, topped with cheddar cheese and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

THE BEST broccoli cheese soup there ever was! So creamy, so cheesy. Perfect for those busy weeknights + picky eaters!
5 stars (108 ratings)

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 medium sweet onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 ½ cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups diced russet potatoes
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 2 cups

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Stir in potatoes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Using a wooden spoon, mash potatoes until slightly thickened, if desired; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Stir in broccoli and heavy cream. Cook, covered, until broccoli is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool 2 minutes.
  • Stir in cheese, a handful at a time, until smooth, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

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